Vital slumbers

A horse’s sleep patterns vary from our own, but their need for sufficient rest is the same. Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS explains equine sleep behaviour

Veterinary consultant

Jane Hastie née Nixon on a fascination with equine structure that began back in childhood, her involvement in the showing world and why she rates the farrier as the most important player in a horse's support network

Austin O'Connor

The event rider reflects on his rollercoaster ride to victory at Maryland, why Burghley was devastating, and how he and his not \"over-brave\" horse prevailed to give Ireland its first five-star winner for 58 years. Catherine Austen tells all

'Grooms deserve reward for all that they do'

Carl Hester on recognising grooms and the London International

A future in which horses, humans and planet thrive

British Equestrian has released the results of its research into the impact of equestrianism on the environment

King as patron in Royal Windsor's show plans

Organisers will also give financial aid to riders to deal with post-Brexit costs

Para riders' aims for more opportunities in showing

Competitors say they'd like more of a level playing field at higher-level competitions

Experts make proposals to strengthen helmet testing

An FEI helmet working group has made recommendations on testing criteria and an improved injury reporting system

Concerns raised at 'miserable failure' from flagship show

Top riders complain about issues at this year's Europeans and the World Cup

Owners of horse who severed leg on mirror call for more regulation

The promising young gelding had to be put down after he kicked out at the mirror in his owners' arena

Law changes on live transport to slaughter make progress

The UK and European Union governments have both announced legislative changes that affect equine transport

Horse welfare is key as new dressage rules introduced

British Dressage has reviewed its policies and brought in changes for the 2024 rulebook

Riders call for leading sport sponsor to ask for change

Vets, judges and riders are calling on Longines to put pressure on the FEI to make changes

Dreaming of a white Christmas

Snow delays play havoc as the country is blanketed in the white stuff, but the meet goes ahead on foot and Tessa Waugh sees the beauty in the snow and the scenery

What a feeling!

World number 12 Richard Vogel describes winning his first Rolex grand prix as \"unbelievable\" while Ireland's rising star tops the podium

Tales from the countryside

Nostalgia to one generation, new to another - there's plenty of enchanting and instructive children's hunting fiction to be found, says Rory Knight Bruce

The happiest of days

The North Cotswold's hunt horse day - which raises funds to buy hunt horses is a rip-roaring success despite foggy conditions

Festive fun and games

Christmas is a time of fun, festivities, food and, in some cases, misadventure. Things don't always go quite according to plan for our dedicated vets...

Hughie

Showjumpingbred but mistaken for a thoroughbred, Hughie's versatility has made him a West Norfolk legend

Pantomime producer

Nicky de Neumann on running away to the circus with her childhood pony, the freebie pantomime star and creating the magic of Cinderella on horseback

Henrietta Knight

With the popular racehorse trainer returning to the fray, this National Hunt specialist tells Kate Johnson about her foolproof training tactic, her ambitious plans to win more big races and a certain lucky blue suit

The stars who steal the show

For every equine movie blockbuster, there's a host of talented, superbly trained and biddable horses that produce the magic. Bernard Bale uncovers the equine actors who deserve their place in the spotlight

Winter hacks

Rain, cold and dark are a challenge, but these expert tips will give you the ammunition to face whatever winter has in store, writes Stephanie Bateman

How to survive Christmas (and have fun)

You don't have to be a Grinch to find Christmas a bore. For some, the yuletide trimmings are a waste of time and money we'd rather spend elsewhere. Becky Murray suggests some alternatives

Wonderful Christmastime

Ever wondered how international riders and their horses celebrate the festive period? Alex Robinson discovers how a few of the best do Christmas in their corners of the world

A winning verdict

A trainer secures a convincing double, while another makes a flying start

It's alright for Gino

A \"buzzing\" jockey triumphs in the Coral Gold Cup and an Olympic gold medallist finds herself in the winner's enclosure

'One of the great horses'

Harry Charles enjoys a surprise World Cup success and completes a five-star double with \"the fastest horse in the world\"

Frost and fridge-raiding

H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen frets about whether or not hunting will be frozen off- and what traces of thievery she might find in her kitchen after returning from a day's hunting

From Surtees to spectres

Rory Knight Bruce scours his library for hunting fiction to while away the cold winter nights